International Law and the Future of World Peace

International Law and the Future of World Peace

After the Second World War, countries joined together to fashion a ‘new world order’ through the United Nations. Under its Charter, the rule of law would be followed, aggression would be outlawed, and human rights respected. So how did we get to the point where international law seems to be more ignored than respected? Is the United Nations still ‘fit for purpose’? Are the Geneva Conventions and International Humanitarian Laws just ‘stupid rules of engagement’? And why does the Trump administration have it in for the International Criminal Court?

Join us as the Sydney Rotary Peacebuilding Group hosts our 3 November club luncheon meeting, where we will learn more about the challenges and hopes for a more peaceful world through respect for international law.

We are honoured to have Dr. Alison Pert as our guest speaker. Alison lectures at the University of Sydney in international law, the use of armed force, and international humanitarian law. She has practised as a lawyer in government and in the private sector in London, Papua New Guinea and Australia, including in the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department working in constitutional, international, and international trade law areas. She represented Australia at international organisations including Unidroit and UNCITRAL, and in treaty negotiations. Alison is the author of Australia as a Good International Citizen and regularly comments on international law matters in the media.

Dr. Pert will help unpack the history of international law, the reasons for its current stresses, and will explain why she believes there is still room for optimism for global peace.